Vigil Held for Joe Paterno on One Year Anniversary of Death

He’s dead and was disgraced, but that doesn’t mean that some people still don’t love legendary Penn State football coach Joe Paterno.

Tuesday marks the first anniversary of his death from lung cancer at the age of 85 and some residents of State College, Pennsylvania plan to remember him with a vigil downtown at a mural that includes a depiction of the coach known as “Joe Pa.” Paterno’s family doesn’t plan to be there and continue to keep a low profile.

Paterno was fired in November 2011 as a result of his role in covering up the Jerry Sandusky child sexual abuse scandal. However, some supporters feel that Paterno got a raw deal and he should be remembered for his 46-year tenure at Penn State, which included his focus on academics and philanthropy along with football.